Maynooth has always been closely identified with the Geraldine family and its present day associations with the training of the secular clergy of the Catholic Church in Ireland (Maynooth College). The national seminary now shares a campus with a constituent college of the National University of Ireland.

The ancient name of Maynooth 'Magh Nuadhat' means the plain of Nuadhat. Nuadhat is referred to as the maternal grandfather of the legendary Fionn MaCumhail in the 'Annals of the Four Masters'.